Theodore Watson Letters
Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Watson
Scope and Content of the Collection
The collection consists of ten letters from Theodore Watson to his brother John Watson, describing his life in the army, written from April 27 to July 7, 1961. The early letters are full of enthusiasm for daily army life, with everyone in high spirits, getting plenty of food and sleep. When the company settles in Camp Defiance in Cairo, Watson is feeling well, ready for action, still having an easy time of it - singing, playing games, swimming and enjoying camp life. However, though he's proud of the drilling skills of his group, by early July he has grown tired and bored, and feels ill. Watson advises his brother John not to enlist and he himself is not going to sign on for the three-year enlistment period.
The purchase documentation lists eleven letters. However, two were parts of other letters, so there are actually only nine letters. It is also possible that two other sheets are also separated parts of a single letter. A transcription, on acid-free paper, is filed with each letter.
The purchase documentation lists eleven letters. However, two were parts of other letters, so there are actually only nine letters. It is also possible that two other sheets are also separated parts of a single letter. A transcription, on acid-free paper, is filed with each letter.
Dates
- 1861 April 27-July 7
Creator
- Watson, Theodore (Person)
Language
Materials are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The Theodore Watson Letters are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 5 folders at a time maximum, and items in each folder will be counted before and after delivery to the patron (Priority I).
Ownership and Literary Rights
The Theodore Watson Letters are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections.
Biography of Theodore Watson
Illinois Civil War Soldier
Theodore Watson, a young man from Hillsboro, Montgomery County, Illinois, was mustered into H Company, 3rd Illinois Volunteers in Springfield, Illinois, on April 26, 1861. The 3rd was moved to Cairo, Illinois, for garrison duty at Camp Defiance, attached to Captain Prentiss's Brigade. Originally a ninety-day unit, the 3rd became the 9th Illinois Regiment under Prentiss, with a three-year enlistment period. Watson chose not to re-enlist and was mustered out July 26, 1861.
Theodore Watson, a young man from Hillsboro, Montgomery County, Illinois, was mustered into H Company, 3rd Illinois Volunteers in Springfield, Illinois, on April 26, 1861. The 3rd was moved to Cairo, Illinois, for garrison duty at Camp Defiance, attached to Captain Prentiss's Brigade. Originally a ninety-day unit, the 3rd became the 9th Illinois Regiment under Prentiss, with a three-year enlistment period. Watson chose not to re-enlist and was mustered out July 26, 1861.
Extent
0.2 Linear Feet (1 box)
Abstract
Letters from Theodore Watson to his brother John in Hillsboro, Illinois, during the early months of the Civil War. Correspondence describes his life as a three-month enlistee in the Illinois 3rd Company (later the Illinois 9th Regiment) stationed at Camp Defiance to defend Cairo, Illinois.
Arrangement
Materials arranged chronologically.
Collection Stack Location
1 35 2
Provenance
Purchased from Charles Apfelbaum, Rare Manuscripts & Archives, April, 2003.
Processed by
Virginia H. Smith, 2004
- Cairo (Ill.) -- History -- Sources
- Correspondence -- Illinois -- Cairo -- 1851-1900
- Correspondence -- Illinois -- Springfield -- 1851-1900
- Illinois -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives
- Manuscripts, American -- Illinois
- Soldiers -- Illinois -- Hillsboro -- Correspondence
- Soldiers' writings, American
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Military life
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives
- United States. Army. Illinois Infantry Regiment, 9th (1861-1865)
- Watson, Theodore
Creator
- Watson, Theodore (Person)
- Title
- Inventory of the Theodore Watson Letters, 1861 April 27-July 7
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Virginia H. Smith
- Date
- ©2004.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the The Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts Repository
Contact:
60 West Walton Street
Chicago Illinois 60610 United States
312-255-3512
reference@newberry.org
60 West Walton Street
Chicago Illinois 60610 United States
312-255-3512
reference@newberry.org